America’s 25 Fastest-Growing Fast Food Chains

Americans have been eating fast food for decades, but their preferred restaurants haven’t stayed the same. As many former industry giants have been forced to shutter locations in recent years, other have capitalized on changing tastes. Whether they serve subs, chicken sandwiches, or Mexican pizza, these are the fastest-growing fast food chains across the county.

According to QSR magazine’s annual chain restaurant report, Jersey Mike’s saw the most growth in 2021. The company expanded by 246 stores last year, a sign of America’s growing cravings for sub-style sandwiches. Similar chains like Jimmy John’s also appear on the list.

Pizza places were another major draw in the previous year. Domino’s claims the second spot in the ranking, and Marco’s Pizza and Papa Johns make the top 25 as well. The list also indicates that the fast food fried chicken craze is still going strong. Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, and Raising Cane’s all gave strong performances in 2021.

Though the fast food business model is built around familiar comfort foods, companies are constantly trying new things to stay competitive. After reading the list of the 25 fast-growing fast food chains in the U.S. below, check out these discontinued items from McDonald’s history.

1. Jersey Mike’s
   
2. Domino’s
   
3. Taco Bell
   
4. Chipotle
   
5. Wingstop
   
6. Dunkin’
   
7. Chick-fil-A
   
8. Panda Express
   
9. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
   
10. Tropical Smoothie Cafe
    
11. Starbucks
    
12. Baskin-Robbins
    
13. Raising Cane’s
    
14. Wendy’s
    
15. Culver’s
    
16. Jimmy John's
    
17. Marco's Pizza
    
18. Arby’s
    
19. Shake Shack
    
20. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
    
21. Papa Johns
    
22. Whataburger
    
23. Sonic Drive-In
    
24. Burger King
    
25. McAlister’s Deli

[h/t QSR]